Benjamin Franklin Davis, II

Benjamin Franklin Davis II, a resident of Tahlequah, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Northeastern Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Tahlequah on March 6, 1937, to the late James Edward Davis and Mary Virginia (Hixson) Davis-Daves.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Edward Davis, Jr., a son, Benjamin Franklin Davis III, and a grandson, Robert Davis.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Phyllis (McMillian) Davis, daughters, Cynthia Davis McMurry, Stephanie Davis and Jeanette Davis Brown and her husband, Mike Adams, sisters, Dr. Harriott Ann Daves, and Charlene Fabian, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and loving friends.

Ben was a fourth generation nurseryman who spent his career in ownership and management of numerous large scale field and container nurseries, including Ozark Nursery which was founded by Ben's great grandfather. Ben's knowledge of the nursery industry earned him many honors including President of the Wholesale Nursery Growers of America, Director of the International Plant Propagators Society and many more. Ben also had a passion for learning, going back to school to earn his Master's in Business Administration from Northeastern State University.

Ben was a deeply faithful person and was active in his church, First Baptist Church of Tahlequah. He greatly loved his church family and the friendships he built there.

Ben will be laid to rest at Tahlequah Cemetery in a small, private graveside service.